When students of Hawthorne Elementary school go back to school in a few weeks they will notice a change &045; a new principal. Corrine Tims is replacing John Piotraschke as principal of the school.

&uot;She has quite a background in curriculum and administration,&uot; said Dave Prescott, Superintendent of Albert Lea School District. &uot;We are happy to have her with us.&uot;

After finishing a K-12 principal licensure at the University of Minnesota, Tims spent some time doing principal internships at various schools in the metro area. Not long after that she decided to start her job hunt.

&uot;I was strongly seeking a position last year and was lucky enough to find one in Albert Lea,&uot; she said.

Tims moved from Cottage Grove to Albert Lea just three weeks ago and started in on her position at the school a few weeks prior to that. &uot;I haven’t had much time to really get to know the area, but so far it has been pleasant,&uot; she said.

While Tims does not yet know the area as a resident she has for many years known it as a visitor. &uot;We have had friends in the area for 30 years we’ve traveled to visit Albert Lea for a long time. I’ve always loved it here,&uot; she said.

Tims is bringing an array of experience to her position. She has worked as both a teacher and as a school administrator. She feels that she knows the ins and outs of running a school. She said, &uot;What I bring to this position is a strong elementary background from the classroom. I have taught every elementary level, kindergarten through sixth, except for fourth grade. But I also have worked under great administrators who have showed me how to do the job and encouraged me to do so myself.&uot;

As well as a teaching background, Tims also has a long and varied background in the administrative side of state programs that increase the reading abilities of all students, that make schools safe and drug free, that get parents and communities involved with schools and that help school staffs to develop stronger curriculum.

Like many school teachers, Tims was drawn to the profession by a love of children and a passion for teaching. &uot;I really do love my profession,&uot; she said. &uot;When I was growing up, most women had only a few vocations to choose from. Luckily teaching was one of them as well as a passion of mine.&uot;

Her outlook on her job is one of great hope. In each child she sees great potential. &uot;I feel that all children are teachable, reachable, saveable and learnable and I feel strongly about that,&uot; she said.

&uot;All children learn at different paces, they’re all individuals, and it’s our job as educators to meet the individual needs of kids.&uot;